1796P British / Welsh Light Cavalry Officer's Blue & Gilt Sabre, sold

In good overall condition, a British 1796 pattern blue and gilt etched light cavalry officer's sabre, distinct with a dragon to the etching, indicating it was for a Welsh officer.

Preamble: The dragon could be a serpent making this an even more valuable Royal Navy officers sabre (a few senior naval officers had these), but for the fact there are no other naval motifs (such as a fouled anchor). So the officer was Welch, and had the normal Royal Coat of Arms replaced with the dragon. There is the obligatory King George IV Royal Cypher to the obverse of the blade. There is no maker's name visible on the blade.

Blue and gilt etching still quite clear and vivid. The 32 1/4 inch blade is firm in the hilt. The hilt / guard in good though aged condition with some light pitting. The original leather grip is good and indicates the sabre was built more likely with a view to be used (as opposed to having a fishskin or ivory grip). The scabbard is unusual; it is not as thin as most officer's scabbards, indicating the sword was built for the battlefield. The scabbard has been repaired with resin / a compound near the drag / chape, then painted black, and there is a bit of damage to the repair. We have let sleeping dogs lie on this one, and not removed the paint. In any even, the repair seems only to be one small area and may reflect battlefield damage, who knows. The sword sheathes and draws well.

This is a rare bespoke etched version of a scarce sword, making it literally rare, and therefore worth every penny of £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AB0 (0087)9. Further / full sized images available upon request.